George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s principal international aviation gateway and one of the major connecting airports in the southern United States. Opened in 1969, IAH has grown into a large five-terminal, five-runway airport and an important hub for international and domestic travel. In 2025, IAH handled more than 48 million passengers, with nonstop service to 189 destinations according to Houston Airports.
What makes IAH distinctive is its role as more than simply Houston’s airport: it functions as a global crossroads for Texas, linking Houston with North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Its airport code, IAH, traces back to the airport’s earlier name, Intercontinental Airport of Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport — Essential Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | George Bush Intercontinental Airport |
| Airport code | IAH |
| Airport type | International airport |
| Location | 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032, United States |
| Operator | Houston Airport System / City of Houston |
| Opened | June 1969 |
| Terminals | 5 passenger terminals — A, B, C, D and E |
| Runways | 5 |
| Distance from Downtown Houston | Approximately 23 miles north of Downtown Houston |
| Primary airline hub | United Airlines |
| 2025 passenger traffic | More than 48 million passengers |
| 2025 nonstop destinations | 189 — 118 domestic and 71 international |
| General information phone | +1 281-230-3100 |
| Emergency / airport dispatch | +1 281-230-1300 |
| Airport police — general | +1 281-230-6800 |
| Parking assistance | +1 281-233-1729 or +1 833-253-2940 |
| TTY | +1 281-230-3089 |
| Public email | No general airport-wide public email is currently displayed on the official IAH contact page. For lost property, an airport document lists has.iahlost@houstontx.gov. |
| Official website | https://www.fly2houston.com/iah/ |
| Official contact page | https://www.fly2houston.com/iah/contact/ |
| Wikipedia page | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Bush_Intercontinental_Airport |
IAH Airport Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
The airport code for George Bush Intercontinental Airport is IAH.
Where is George Bush Intercontinental Airport located?
IAH is located at 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, Texas 77032, approximately 23 miles north of Downtown Houston.
How many terminals does IAH have?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport has five passenger terminals: A, B, C, D and E.
Is IAH the main international airport in Houston?
Yes. IAH is Houston’s principal large-scale international gateway and handles extensive domestic and international passenger traffic.
Which airline uses IAH as a major hub?
United Airlines is the principal hub carrier at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
How can I contact George Bush Intercontinental Airport?
For general airport information and paging, passengers can call 281-230-3100.
What should I do in an airport emergency at IAH?
For an airport emergency requiring immediate airport response, the documented IAH emergency dispatch number is 281-230-1300. For police-related assistance, the airport documentation lists 281-230-6800 for IAH Police.
Does IAH provide assistance for travelers with disabilities?
Yes. Houston Airports provides accessibility services for travelers with disabilities and publishes information about accessible facilities and assistance at IAH.
Does George Bush Intercontinental Airport have passenger information services?
Yes. IAH operates airport information counters and visitor information facilities, with airport volunteer ambassadors available to assist travelers.
Does IAH have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is among the passenger services offered at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Is there transportation between IAH terminals?
Yes. Passengers can use the airport’s Skyway and Subway systems to move around the terminal complex.
What is George Bush Intercontinental Airport named after?
The airport was renamed in 1997 in honor of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.
When did George Bush Intercontinental Airport open?
The airport opened in June 1969, originally operating as Houston Intercontinental Airport.
Is IAH far from central Houston?
IAH is approximately 23 miles north of Downtown Houston, although actual journey time varies considerably with traffic and time of day.